Spring is here, and April is ready to paint the South in vibrant colors and delicious flavors! From breathtaking flower festivals to sips of fine wines and craft beers, this month is bursting with events that celebrate our Southern spirit.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect strawberry, dancing to live music, or indulging in mouthwatering culinary creations, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.
Where will this month take you?
North Carolina Azalea Festival
April 2-6, 2025 | Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington bursts into bloom during the North Carolina Azalea Festival, a beloved celebration of Southern springtime, featuring garden tours, a grand parade, and waterfront festivities. From fireworks over the Cape Fear River to the storied Historic Home Tour, this festival is a true Southern spectacle.
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
April 11-13, 2025 | Ponchatoula, Louisiana
The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is a three-day celebration of Louisiana’s sweetest harvest is packed with live music, carnival rides, and, of course, plenty of strawberry treats. As the state’s largest free harvest festival, it’s a *berry* good time for all.
Sipp & Savor
April 12, 2025 | Meridian, Mississippi
Sipp and Savor is a culinary experience that brings together top chefs, distillers, and mixologists for an evening of unforgettable flavors in the heart of downtown Meridian. With James Beard Award-winning talent and live music, the whole town and plenty of visitors turn out in droves, all in the name of good food and good community.
Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival
April 12, 2025 | Hot Springs, Arkansas
Celebrate Japanese culture with taiko drumming, traditional dance, and martial arts demonstrations at this family-friendly festival. Hosted by the Hot Springs Sister City Program, the Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival is a beautiful way to welcome spring.
Georgia Craft Brewers Festival
April 19, 2025 | Woodstock, Georgia
Raise a glass to Georgia’s craft beer scene with more than 50 breweries pouring 150+ unique beers, alongside live music and local food trucks at the Georgia Craft Brewers Festival. This festival doesn’t just prost to great beer—it celebrates and supports the independent brewers who make the magic happen.
Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event
April 24-27, 2025 | Lexington, Kentucky
This internationally renowned equestrian event showcases the highest level of eventing with the best horse and rider combinations from around the globe. Beyond the thrilling competitions, enjoy shopping, attractions, and unique sponsor experiences that make the Kentucky Three-Day weekend truly special. But just as intriguing as the showcase are the tailgates… stay tuned for our detailed how to guide.
Music City Food + Wine Festival
April 24-27, 2025 | Nashville, Tennessee
A premier event not to be missed! This weekend-long culinary extravaganza blends Nashville’s best flavors with entertainment, chef competitions, and hands-on experiences. From exceptional pairing dinners to a buzzing vendor market, the Music City Food + Wine Festival is sure to be the ultimate food lover’s event. Tell your friends “I Told You So” during the inaugural event this year.
Fayetteville Dogwood Festival
April 25-27, 2025 | Fayetteville, North Carolina
This free, family-friendly festival fills downtown Fayetteville with live concerts, a bustling street fair, and thrilling carnival rides. With a classic car cruise-in and plenty of local eats, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is the perfect way to celebrate spring.
Brewgaloo
April 25-26, 2025 | Raleigh, North Carolina
North Carolina’s largest craft beer festival, Brewgaloo, pours up more than 110 breweries, local food trucks, and live music across downtown Raleigh. Kick off the weekend with a special Friday night tasting event, then spend Saturday sampling your way through an epic street festival.
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
April 25-May 4, 2025 | Winchester, Virginia
For 98 years, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival has welcomed spring with over 50 events, including a grand parade, wine tastings, live entertainment, and a colorful carnival. Whether you’re here for the food, the flowers, or the fun, this Northern Shenandoah Valley tradition is not to be missed.
Double Decker Arts Festival
April 25-26, 2025 | Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford’s biggest festival blends live music, fine arts, and incredible Southern cuisine, all set against the backdrop of the historic downtown Square. Inspired by the city’s iconic double-decker buses imported straight from England, the two-day Double Decker Arts Festival is a true cultural gem.
Black Food Truck Festival
April 25-27, 2025 | Charleston, South Carolina
This vibrant festival spotlights the region’s best Black-owned food trucks, offering everything from soul food to seafood. With live entertainment and a strong community focus, the Black Food Truck Festival is a tasty way to support local businesses.
Columbia Food & Wine Festival
April 22-27, 2025 | Columbia, South Carolina
What started as a one-day tasting event has bloomed into a five-day culinary showcase highlighting Columbia’s best plates and pours. The Columbia Food & Wine Festival is a must for food lovers looking to experience the flavors of the Midlands.
Looking for more happenings around the region? Click here.
